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Never Forget Avonte

Help Support
the Legacy of Avonte Oquendo

Avonte Oquendo’s Story

Avonte Oquendo was just 14 years old when his life was tragically cut short.
Security footage showed Avonte leaving Riverside School in Long Island
City, Queens, unattended and alone, on October 4, 2013. This was the last
time Avonte was seen alive. Avonte suffered from autism and could not
speak. Many children and adults whose lives are affected by autism spectrum
disorder (ASD) are prone to bolting from their families and caregivers,
often due to a desire to escape sources of overstimulation. These individuals
require constant care and supervision.

The search that was launched for Avonte was unprecedented in the city of
New York. Sadly, that search ended three months later when Avonte’s
body was found near the East River. The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C. represented
the Oquendo family, and remains among those dedicated to ensuring that
Avonte’s legacy lives on, and that he did not die in vain.

Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.